Saw lines
Saw lines bring together the machines that cut logs into boards, flitches, rafters and beams. They determine the sawmills throughput and material yield. Compare online the manufacturers models available on WoodPartners.
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Discover saw lines to increase your production and get the most out of every log.
The saw line, the heart of sawmill productivity
The saw line turns the log into saleable products and determines the sawmills material yield. Every poorly placed saw cut causes a loss of volume or downgrades a piece. Section accuracy, throughput and the valorization of by-products (slabs, edgings, sawdust) depend directly on its design.
In the chain of primary processing machines, it receives logs prepared by the log yard and the debarkers. The lumber produced then goes to the dry kilns.
The line configuration depends on the species, the diameters processed and the target products. A high-volume softwood sawmill prioritizes high-throughput cutting machines, while a hardwood sawmill looks for more selective sawing, log by log.
The different machines in a saw line
A saw line combines primary breakdown, resaw and optimization machines. Their sequence and level of automation determine the overall capacity of the sawmill.
The complete saw line
The complete saw line integrates all stations, from log infeed to lumber outfeed. Designed as a single system, it synchronizes machines, conveyors and automation. This approach makes it easier to increase throughput and limits flow interruptions between stations.
The head saw
The head saw makes the first cut in the log. The band saw, often paired with a log carriage, offers a thin kerf and is suitable for large diameters as well as hardwoods. The circular saw achieves high production rates on more uniform diameters. Double band models machine two faces in a single pass.
The canter
The canter machines the faces of the log using chipping heads. It directly turns slabs into chips and produces a cant (a piece with flat faces) in a single pass. Combined with circular saws, it also extracts side boards. It is the benchmark equipment for high-volume softwood sawmills.
The multiblade saw
The multiblade saw breaks down a cant into several boards in a single pass. Multiple circular blades mounted on one or two shafts cut the piece simultaneously. Some models saw in a curve to follow the natural shape of the log and improve material yield.
The edger
The edger removes wane (the rounded part on the edges) from boards coming from primary breakdown. It gives pieces straight, parallel edges. Equipped with a scanner, it automatically positions its blades to obtain the greatest possible width on each board.
The resaw
The resaw re-cuts cants or flitches into thinner sections. Also called a resawing saw or splitter, it adjusts pieces to commercial dimensions. It also makes it possible to add value to thick pieces by turning them into several products of smaller section.
Infeed and optimization equipment
Infeed and optimization equipment places each log in the position that maximizes its yield. Scanners measure the shape of the log, then software calculates the best cutting pattern. Log turners then orient the log and feeders present it precisely to the cutting machine.
How to choose a saw line?
Choosing a saw line depends first on the logs to be processed and the products to be obtained. The species, diameter range and desired cross-sections guide the choice between a band saw, circular saw, canter, multiblade saw or a combination of several machines. The target throughput then determines the level of mechanization required.
On the most automated lines, scanners, optimization systems, log turners and feeders position each log to make the best use of the material. To compare two installations, you therefore need to consider their production capacity, the accepted wood dimensions, the achievable products and their level of automation.
Compare saw lines and sawing machines
WoodPartners brings together sawing equipment intended for primary breakdown as well as resawing and sawing optimization.
Check out the solutions offered in particular by USNR, VBI Bois and Andre Technologies, compare their technical characteristics and identify the machines suited to your production organization.
Filters by equipment type and manufacturer location make it possible to quickly refine the selection before requesting a quote directly.